Fischione Model 1080 PicoMill® TEM Specimen Preparation System

Post-FIB processing produces the highest quality TEM specimens
Focused ion beam (FIB) milling is a widely used technique for today’s cutting-edge materials that provides a means to prepare transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specimens. The challenge in working with these advanced materials is to create specimens that are electron transparent and are free from artifacts. The FIB is highly effective in preparing TEM specimens, but the use of a high-energy, liquid metal ion source can often result in specimen amorphization, gallium implantation, or both.

The Fischione Model 1080 PicoMill system is the ideal complement to FIB technology; it adds the increased capability of producing optimal specimen quality while enhancing the overall specimen preparation throughput by moving final thinning offline.

Let the FIB do what the FIB does best; let the PicoMill system do the rest
To maximise FIB capacity, specimens can be moved offline for final thinning on the Fischione Model 1080 PicoMill system. The PicoMill system provides the ability to precisely and predictably thin a specimen, which reduces the potential for rework and optimizes specimen processing time. This increases your capability by producing specimens of superior quality and enhances the overall specimen preparation throughput. 

The PicoMill system will allow you to achieve first time right specimen preparation every time.

Site-specific, ultra-low-energy milling
The PicoMill system’s ion source features a filament-based ionization chamber and electrostatic lenses. The ion source was specifically developed to produce ultra-low ion energies with a submicron ion beam diameter. It uses inert gas (argon) and has an operating voltage range of 50 eV to 2 kV. 

The ion source’s feedback control algorithm automatically produces stable and repeatable ion beam conditions over a wide variety of milling parameters. Redeposition of sputtered material onto the area of interest is avoided because the ion beam can be focused to a specific area. You can scan a region of the specimen’s surface or target a specific area for selective milling. The ions only contact the site of interest on the specimen where they are needed to do the work. The ion beam is kept away from the grid, which prevents redeposition.

Precise milling angle adjustment
The ion beam impingement angle is programmable from -15° to +90°. The ion source is fixed in position and the goniometer tilts the specimen holder to achieve the programmed milling angle through the PicoMill system user interface. The specimen is positioned along the X, Y, and Z axes to precisely orient the FIB lamella with respect to the ion and electron beams.

Milling specimens at a low angle of incidence (fewer than 10°) minimizes damage and specimen heating. Because low-angle milling, combined with ion beam rasterizing, facilitates uniform thinning of dissimilar materials, it is highly beneficial when preparing layered structures or composite materials. 

In situ imaging
To complement the scanning electron column, the PicoMill system has multiple detectors: 

• A backscatter electron detector (BSE) for in situ imaging with electrons

• A secondary electron detector (SED) for in situ imaging with ions and electrons 

• A scanning/transmission electron detector (STEM) for electron transparency and endpoint detection

The detector combination allows you to perform in situ imaging of the specimen before, during, and after ion milling. The grid containing a FIB lamella or a specific site on a conventionally prepared specimen can be imaged.

You can view specimens in situ on a dedicated monitor that displays both electron- and ion-induced secondary electron images. Image capture is as simple as a click of a mouse. 

End-point detection/process termination
A specimen prepared with optimal electron transparency is the ultimate goal for the best quality TEM imaging and analysis. This is particularly key when employing today’s aberration-corrected TEM technology.

Microscope connectivity reduces specimen handling
The ability to use the same holder in the PicoMill system and the TEM means that you can quickly and safely transport the milled specimen from the PicoMill system to the TEM, which is particularly advantageous when you are working with one-of-a-kind specimens.